Giro d’Italia 2014: Stage 11 preview

Halfway into the Giro, there are bound to be many tired legs out on the road, and many will wince at the long day of racing in store for them today. At 249km, it is in fact the longest stage in the 2014 Giro, and bears more resemblance to a Spring Classic than a Grand Tour stage thanks to its excessive length and lumpy terrain.

Those extra 50km or so are likely to put the peloton off trying to catch the day’s escapees, along with the fact the finish is neither catered towards sprinters nor climbers. Instead, stage 11 feels tailor-made for breakaway specialists, and there will be much vying for inclusion in the day’s break, which will probably be formed on the Passo Cento Croci early on in the stage.

Following this climb, the riders will soon reach the Italian Riviera, and will continue along the lumpy roads along the coast until reaching the finish in Savona. Upon arriving, however, they will head back out of town to climb the Naso di Gatto (which translates as ‘Cat’s Nose’), before descending all the way back to the finish line. Today’s stage will be decided on this climb — both up and down it.

Did you know?
Today’s point of departure, Collecchio, is only a small village but makes up part of the famous pilgrimage known as the Via Francigena. Its longer version begins in England and takes in such impressive landmarks as Canterbury Cathedral and St Peter’s Basilica, but Collecchio’s comparatively modest San Prospero is an impressive Romanesque church in its own right.